The announcement was made by Sony Pictures Digital Productions president Bob Osher and Sony Pictures Animation president of production Michelle Raimo-Kouyate. The preemptive deal is Raimo-Kouyate’s first acquisition since her appointment as president of production.

Jane Startz, a producer of family entertainment, is the executive producer, whereas Jane Startz Productions Inc. vice president of development Kane Lee is co-producer.

"Great stories begin with great characters and Muncle Trogg is one of the most original," said Osher.

"Strong characters, relatable themes, a unique world and tons of inherent comedy: as soon as I read Muncle Trogg, I knew this would speak to the kinds of animated movies I want to make at Sony Pictures Animation," said Raimo-Kouyate.

Muncle Trogg, about a fairytale community living in a volcano, hidden from human beings, is published by The Chicken House in the United Kingdom and Australia, and will be published by The Chicken House /Scholastic imprint in Spring 2012 in The United States and Canada.